However, manager David Moyes was always confident of extending the Frenchman's stay.

Distin has made 19 first-team appearances this season. He has appeared in all but three Premier League matches this season and his partnership with Phil Jagielka is the manager's preferred first choice.

Distin has been a key figure in central defence since signing from Portsmouth in 2005, with Moyes even utilising him at left-back on the rare occasions when Leighton Baines has been injured.